Mugwort has long been used for its potential health benefits. This includes digestive relief and arthritis reduction.
Mugwort uses range from insect repellent and as an ingredient in alcohol to a treatment option for a wide range of health conditions, including osteoarthritis, digestive conditions, and menstrual cramps, to name a few.
Keep reading to learn more about mugwort, including its potential health benefits, other uses, and some risks and side effects.
Since mugwort can interact with other medications individuals should check with their healthcare professional before using mugwort.
Mugwort is a hardy perennial plant that usually grows in the warmer areas of the Northern Hemisphere. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
People usually consider mugwort to be an invasive weed. It spreads quickly and easily and can take over large parts of a person’s garden. It is also related to ragweed and can cause a similar allergic reaction to that associated with ragweed. For this reason, people usually kill or remove it.
There are many traditional beliefs related to this herb. For example, people used to believe that mugwort could protect from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits. Many people also suggest that the Romans used to use mugwort in their sandals to relieve aching feet.
People can make mugwort leaves into a tea by infusing them in boiling water. Some people also smoke the plant as an alternative to tobacco. It is also available in capsule form from many health stores.
Many different plant species under the genus Artemisia bear the name “mugwort,” but unless specified otherwise, this article focuses exclusively on the mugwort plant Artemisia vulgaris.
Traditionally, throughout Europe and in traditional Chinese medicine, people have used mugwort as a treatment for a variety of health conditions.
For example, people have smoked or consumed the dried leaves as a way to promote lucid dreaming, though there have been few studies into this.
Others who use the herb suggest that it has antibacterial properties. However, there have been
Other anectdotal benefits include digestion aid and reducing menstruation and menopause symptoms. More research is needed on the benefits and effects of mugwort.
Moxibustion
The main use of mugwort is in a technique called moxibustion. This involves burning the herb over a specific part of the body based on what the practitioner is trying to achieve.
Practitioners also commonly use moxibustion during acupuncture to increase the effectiveness of this ancient Chinese practice.
There is some evidence to suggest that moxibustion may be able to help prevent or correct breech births, which might, in turn, help reduce the need for as many cesarean deliveries.
One 2012 review suggests that this can be either alone or in combination with acupuncture or postural techniques. A
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A 2018 review of numerous studies into moxibustion concludes that it may help reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy and improve quality of life, but research must continue to confirm this.
The study authors conclude that, until they know more about the safety of this remedy, people should exercise caution when consuming extracts of California mugwort, whether as a tincture or as a tea.
Research in this area is lacking, so scientists need to conduct more research to investigate the potential side effects of mugwort in a variety of forms and uses.
Allergies
That said, according to a
Symptoms of such allergies can include:
- sneezing
- a runny nose
- nasal congestion
- headaches
- irritated eyes
- itchy throat
As well as these effects, mugwort can also increase asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.
There is also something called “birch-mugwort-celery syndrome,” or “celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome,” which indicates that if a person is allergic to one of the substances in these names, they may also be likely to be allergic to the others. This is also known as oral allergy syndrome.
Toxins
Also, mugwort contains a substance called thujone, which can be toxic in large amounts. The amount present in the herb itself is little enough that experts generally consider it safe to use.
However, if a person chooses to use mugwort in the form of oil, they should be aware of this potential risk, as it is the oil that contains this substance. This means that there will be a high concentration of it.
Other risks
Historically, experts have associated this herb with pregnancy loss, so many recommend that pregnant people avoid mugwort so as to minimize the risk of miscarriage.
Also, one 2020 study found significant toxic components in moxibustion smoke that might have negative effects on the liver, kidneys, and heart. Therefore, people should ventilate extensively when using mugwort.
People have used mugwort for centuries for the treatment of various health issues.
Research must continue into the efficacy of mugwort, but studies do suggest that it can be beneficial in some cases.
If a person is considering trying mugwort for medicinal purposes, they should speak to their healthcare professional beforehand to ensure that it is safe for them to do so.
There is currently not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage for mugwort, and people should keep this in mind if they are thinking of using it.